The Purple foxglove ; tincture
from the leaves of the second year's growth, gathered before flowering.
Must be imported. The active principles which are glucosides are Digitalin,
Digitoxine, Digitalein, Digitonin and Digitin.

What is the general physiological action of
Digitalis ?

It is mainly confined to the circulatory organs, other parts being
affected secondarily. It causes greatly increased arterial tension and
very slow intermitting pulse, dropsy of external and internal parts. A
dangerous drug in physiological does always. More so if its use is
prolonged.

How does Strophanthus compare ?

It is more rapid in action, has greater diuretic power, does not disturb
the digestive organs, is not cumulative and is generally safe for
children and the aged.

What are the symptoms that to us as Homopaths
indicate its use in heart troubles ?

There is uneasiness and tightness about the heart, it feels as if it
stood still ; sinking in the epigastrium and sharp pains about the
heart ; the pulse is slow, even slower than the heart beat ;
the patient is cyanotic, his sleep is restless and he starts up from
sleep as if falling from a height ; there is a slow respiration and
a desire to take a deep breath ; constriction of chest. There is
weakness and numbness of the left arm, often blueness of the body,
cyanosis, disturbed sleep, apprehensiveness. Sick feeling in stomach
after eating.

What is the mental condition in these heart
affections ?

Anxious, low spirited ; gloomy and apprehensive, and a desire to be
alone.

Blepharitis, injected eyes, discharge thick and excoriating, the tears
scald and irritate the cheeks, photophobia worse in artificial light.
Traumatic conjunctivitis. Paralysis of the third nerve.

How is Allium cepa distinguished ?

The discharge from the eye in Euphrasia
is excoriating and that from the nose is bland, while the opposite is
found in Allium cepa, nose
excoriating and eyes bland.

VERBASCUM THAPSUS.

What is Verbascum thapsus ?

The Common Mullein. Tincture from
fresh plant.

What are the characteristic indications for
Verbascum ?

Catarrhs and cold, accompanied by neuralgia and a hoarse, barking cough,
a sort of "Basso profundo".
It also is a powerful remedy in urinary irritability. The preparation
known as Mullein oil comes from this
plant.